Container



May 20, 1941. L. B. LEIGHTON ETAL' 3 3 CONTAINER Filed Ap ril 16, 1938 4Sheets-Sheet 1 5 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 8.

CONTAINER Filed April 16, 1938 L. B. LEIGHTON ETAL May 20, 1941.

y 1941- 1.. B. LEIGHTON ETAL 2,242,829

CONTAINER Filed April 16, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 May 2.0, 1941. 1.. B.LEIGHTON ET AL. 2,242,829

CONTAINER Filed April 16, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented May 20, 1941UNITED STATE s PATENT OFFICE comma Lester 'B.

Leighton, Richmond Heights, and Clarence J. Vogt, Lemay, Mo.,

assignors to The Sandusky Cooperage & Lumber Company, St. Louis, Mo., acorporation of Ohio Application April 16, 1938, Serial No. 202,414 9Ulaims. ('01. 229-55) tainers which partake of the economy and lightnessof cardboard containers and also of the greater-strength of wood, fibreand metal containers or the like; and the provision of containers of theclass described which may be manufactured in various sizes on aproduction basis with the necessary accuracy. Other objects will be inpart obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the elements and combinations ofelements, features of construction, and arrangements of parts which willbe exemplified in the structures hereinafter described, and the scope ofthe application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which are illustrated several ofvarious possible embodiments of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the first step in making arelatively long inner drum;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a step used in making ashorter outer drum;

spending parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

The drawings are necessarily exaggerated as to the thicknes's'ofmaterial used, and therefore bulk in certain regions is exaggerated. andappears to be greater than it is in practice. 'This exaggeration alsocauses voids to appear where, in fact, there are none, or where they areso small .as to be negligible from the viewpoint of strength Fig. 3 is aperspective view showing a step in making a cover;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section, diagrammatically illustrating theassembly of the products of the steps of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail section of the container wall aftercompletion;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional detail of a. bottom cornerof a finished container;

Fig. I is a view similar to Fig. 6 but showing a top comer of the cover;

Fig. 8 is a side elevation, partly in section, diagrammaticallyillustrating the finished and closed container;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8, but showing an alternative form ofthe invention, the cover being removed;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1 showing a step in theprocess of making the body of the article of Fig. 9; a

Fig. 1-1 is a perspective view showing a step in the process of makingthe cover for the article of Fig. 9; I

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing an alternative form of theinvention; and,

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing still another alternativeform of the invention.

Similar reference characters indicate correand durability of thecontainer.

In its referred form, the entire container-is made of relatively thinand flexible paper. By way of example, and not limitation, kraft papermaybe used of a thickness of- 16 points (.016") Such paper ordinarilycomes in rolls of predetermined widths and may therefore be handled mostconveniently in manufacture as a long continuous strip. Such a strip isshown, for example, at numeral l in Fig. 1. The width of strip l is thegreatest of any of the strips used in the process, inasmuch as thisstrip is to form an inner cylinder which substantially predetermines thelength of the finished container ignoring certain head thicknesses.

While various modifications may be made in the mode of manufacture ofour container, depending upon whether it is made by machine, or partlyby hand and partly by machine, we have chosen first to illustrate anddescribed the form shown in Figs. 1-3, because this form admits of themost direct and lucid description.

After the description of this form of Figs. -1-3,

other forms will be described.

Referring to Fig. 1, the first operation to be performed on strip l, aswell as upon all of the other strips hereinafter described in connectionwith Fig. 1, is to notch one edge as at 3, the other edge 5 being leftstraight. The notches 3 are of triangular shape and let triangular tabs1 remain. When these tabs 1 are turned over, as will be described, theiradjacent edges are substantially spaced from one another, so that theoverlap or staggering that occurs between successive layers of tabs willresult in a thinner but stronger construction in which voids arereduced.

The strip I is convolutely wound on itself upon a cylindric and rotarymandrel 9 to form a body member of a predetermined number of plies. Assuccessive windings of the strip I are applied, an adhesive such as glueis applied between windings, as indicated by stippling. However, thefirst loop or winding on the mandrel is left-free of adhesive so that itdoes not stick to the man- *drel, but may be subsequently slipped off,

The arrangement of the strip I with respect to Fig. 1 indicates that asingle winding or lamination of paper with a single circuit of tabs hasbeen applied to the mandrel 3. At this stage, a disc I3 of apredetermined number of circular paper bottom discs 13, I3a, I3b, I3cand I3d.

which number corresponds generally to the number of the windings orplies making up the body thereof, (see also Fig. 6) is positionedagainst the end II of the mandrel, and within the confines oi theextending tabs I, adhesive having theretofore been applied to the outersurface of the disc I3, as indicated by-the stippling. The circuit oftabs I around the edgeof the disc I3 is then turned or folded down overthe edge of disc I3. The thickness of each disc I3, 53a, 83b,

the cylinder I1 and the enclosing head I9. This inner shell N is thenaged, that is, dried, so that it shrinks to a stable condition.

In Fig. 2 is illustrated how a second and outer shell is likewiseformed. This shell is formed from a strip 2| which is narrower than thestrip 9 by the length L indicated in Fig. 8, thus providing a length ofouter cylinder 0 which is likewise shorter than the cylinder N by thislength L. The length L is the amount of projection of the inner cylinderN desired for telescoping within the cover C.

I 3:; and |3d is of the order of that of the strip I,

and it is preferably not of a thickness to be characterized ascardboard.

With the first disc I3 applied and the first circle of tabs I turneddown to hold the disc, the

As indicated in Fig. 2, the strip 2| also has notches 3 forming tabs 1.The strip 2| is so related to a mandrel 23 that the circuit of tabsaround the mandrel end extends axially as in the case of Fig. 1.Windings, application of adhesive, and successive applications of paperheads 2! et seq. with bending over of the tabs 1 follow the methoddescribed in connection with Fig. 1. Thus, the shorter outer cylinder 0is formed like the longer inner cylinder N. Its inside diameter whilewet is caused to be slightly larger than the outside diameter of theinner cylinder N while dry.

In the present example, the outer cylinder 0 is shown also as being madeup of five convolute loops of the strip 2| with five heads, such asmandrel 9 is rotated more to roll up another loop of the strip I, thatloop adhering to the one under it. This results in another circulargroup of tabs I being axially located at the edge of the surface II,this group now extending outwardly from the first paper disc I3. I

Next, the second paper disc I3ais moved endwise to cover the folded tabsI and to become adhered to.the outside of the first-applied paper discI3. Adhesive is placed either on the front of the disc |3a (as shown),or over the bent tabs I to assure a strong bond between the discs I3,|3a and the tabs. Next, the second group of tabs 1 is turned down to beheld in position by the adhesive on them to the back of disc I3a. Thus,the effect of the application of the second disc |3a is to sandwich thefirst group of tabs I which were turned down on disc I3 and to increasethe thickness and strength of the head thus being formed. The second rowof tabs 1 holds this second head I3a in place.

The process is continued untiLsay, five loops of paper from strip I havebeen convolutely wound around the mandrel 9 and adhered to one another,with fiveapplied discs I3, I30, l3b, I30, I3d, the discs interleavingwith the tabs 1. This forms a tubular shell. that, although the firstdisc I3 has adhesiveon its outside, the discs I 3b. I3- and I3d haveadhesive on their insides (side toward the mandrel 3). As above madeclear, thedisc |3a also may have adhesive on the inside (so as to coverthe adhesive-free outsides of the first row of tabs 1) or this seconddisc Ilia may be entirely free of adhesive and depend upon the adhesiveon the first disc l3, provided that adhesive has been providedon theoutside of the first row of tabs 1 after these tabs have been turneddown.

The strip I is then cut oil, ready for the manufacture .of the nexttubular shell, and the finished shell is removed from the mandrel 3.This forms the inner tubular shell of the container, which will bedesignated generically by the index N, and which is shown'diagrammaticallyin Figs. 4 and 8. This shell N comes from the mandrel 9in a wetcondition, due to the fluidity of the glue which is used betweenthe layers forming both It should be understood shown at 21, 21a, 21b,21c and 21d (Fig, 6). The five heads, I3, I3a, I 31;, I30, and I3d, aresmaller than the five heads 21, 21a, 21b, 21c and 21d, because theyare'associated with the smaller cylinder N. A final, large paper head 29is used to make a final covering for the end of cylinder 0 and the lastrow of tabs I which is turned down.

Thus, a neat outer appearance is presented. It

' ,will be,understood that, if desired, the five heads 21 et al. may bemade the same size as the five heads I3 et al., the tabs I making up thedifference radially. Such a construction would avoid the necessity forusing two different sizes of heads.

Before the outer cylinder 0 has cured, or dried, that is, while it" isstill in a pliable and extended condition, the now cured inner cylinderN is slipped therein, after application of adhesive within the outercylinder 0, as indicated by the stippling in Fig. 4. The application ofadhesive to the inside of the cylinder 0 may be over its entire innersurface or over a less, but sufilcient, area to effect the desired'endof strong adherence. Fig. 4 shows the application of the inner cylinderto the outer cylinder, before complete assembly.

Adhesive may also'be placed between the bottoms It is also contemplatedthat adhesive may be movement (not unlike the leaves of a spring)between bottoms l9 and 3| and the interposition of the resulting smallair pocket for some materials provides a stronger container.

Next, the outer shell 0 dries and shrinks onto the inner cylinder N,with the result that any side wall section, such as shown in Fig. 5, hasas homogeneous a character as if the strip 2| had been wmmd around stripI. Thus, it will be seen that there is obtained a unitary cylindric container, so far as strength is concerned, having an inwardly shoulderedoiT-set at itsupper end for telescopic reception of the cover C. Itshould here be made clear that all layers of adhesive used are extremelythin, andthat the adhesive tends to penetrate paper and to form a keyedbond as indicated in Fig. 5.

A flatter bottom wall can be obtained by placing each shell N and 0,while moist from adhesive, on a flat surface and pressing down thebottoms l9 and 3| by suitable plungers. A similar pressure operation mayalso be performed after the two shells have been assembled and thebottoms I9 and 3| combined, or this operation may be used exclusively.

Fig. 6 illustrates another feature, which is the fact that the ends ofall of the tabs become arranged along a diagonal 15, in everycrosssection, thus tending to make the transition, from the increasednumber of layers near the cylinder wall to the smaller number of layersat the center of the head, more gradual, with a heater appearing result.The triangular forms of the tabs 1, with the inevitable overlapping insuccessive layers, enhances the effect of gradual transition. It shouldbe understood that Fig. 6 is idealized, and that actually successivetiers of the tabs 1 may be staggered peripherally.

An advantageous feature of the invention is that the cured shell N,being smaller than the uncured shell 0, may be slipped therein withgreat ease, and thereafter the uncured shell cures and shrinks into anirremovable condition on the outside of the inner shell N. By thismethod, a very strong and permanent laminated container shell isefiected, having the form desired.

The procedure for forming the cover C is to convolutely wrap a stillnarrower paper strip 33, as shown in Fig. 3, on a third mandrel 35, saidstrip 33 having notches 3 providing tabs 1 which also extend axiallyfrom the end surface 31 of mandrel 35. Successive convolute loops of thestrip 33 with interspaced adhesive are used in connection withsuccessively applied paper discs 39, 39a, 39b, 39c, and 39d, thesuccessive circles of tabs 1 being bent over and sandwiched by the discs(see also Fig. 7). Finally, a larger cover disc 4| is used for providinga neat appearance.

For equal strength the end of cover C should have a thickness which isabout that of the combined ends l9 and 3| of the assembled shells N and0. Hence, a series of discs 43 are applied internally, interspersed withadhesive to. form a strong laminatedstructure of desired thickness.After the cover C has been completed, it is allowed to cure, or dry,before being telescoped over the reduced end 45 of the combined shell N,

0. When it is telescoped the relationship shown in Fig. 8 exists. Forfinal closure after loading, the adhesive tape 2 is used.

By way of example, the outside diameter of the mandrel 23 in Fig. 2'ismade about equal to the outside diameter of shell N when the latter iswet.

This produces an outside shell 0 which will readily receive the insideshell N when the latter is dry, and upon shrinking will form ahomogeneous structure such as shown in Fig. 5. Variations in dimensionsare permissible within limits adapted to produce the desired effect. I

The outside diameter of the mandrel 35 is made about equal to thediameter of mandrel 23, or a little larger or smaller, depending uponthe snugness of the telescoping fit desired between the inside of thecover C and the reduced end of the assembled shell N, 0. No adhesive isplaced on the inside of the cover C upon closure, so that the containermayreadilybe reopened.

' at difierent distances from the center line of the If desired, the wetend 41 of the cover C may also be pressed against a flat surface by apiston or plug, as described in connection with the ends l8 and 3|, sothat the lamiriations may be squeezed into a flatter condition, that is,the ends of the tabs in successive circuits or layers are container.

As shown in Fig. 7, the ends of the tabs 1 in Y the cover C alsoarranged themselves along a diagonal. Many advantages can be obtained byproceeding as above described in connection with the mandrel 9 and thewide strip I, and thereafter adding the narrow strip 2| by winding itdirectly onto the wound strip on the mandrel 9, thus producing ahomogeneous wall, without the two-cylinder constructions above outlined.

An alternative form of the invention is shown in Fig. 9, wherein apreformed inner cylinder 5| is used, and this may be a wrapped convoluteconstruction without the tabs, or similar construction suitable ,for thepurpose. At the lower end of this cylinder 5| is a preformed disc 53made of similar material, and preferably of a diameter equal to theoutside diameter of the cylinder 5! As shown in Fig. 10, the cylinder 5|is slippedover a mandrel 55, and the disc 53 is placed against the endof it and a plain strip of paper 51 is then wound so as to attach itselfboth to the cylinder 5| and to the disc 53, adhesive being used for thepurpose.

The strip 51 has no tabs, as in the form of the invention shown in Figs.1-8, but has an edge lying flush with the outer surface of the disc 53.

Discs 59 are provided with radial tabs 6|.

These are provided with adhesive on the side 3 adjacent the disc 53 andattached to said disc, the tabs 6| being turned into axial position toadhere axially against the wound strip 51. Then, a successive convoluteturn of the strip 51 is applied around the tabs BI, and a second disc59a is applied, the strip 51 being led out from behind the appliedcircleof tabs by its edge passing through a space between two tabs 6|.This process is continued until the desired number of laminations isobtained.

As shown in Fig. 11, a disc 63 is placed against the end of a mandrel ofequal diameter, and a strip of paper 61 applied to provide onerevolution, the one edge of the paper fastening itself to the edge ofthe disc 63 by suitably applied adhesive. The successive discsBS, 69a,etc., are applied in the manner above described in connection with Fig.10, so that the successive circuits of radial tabs 5| are interwovenwith successive loops of the strip 61'. The finished efiect isillustrated in Fig. 9.

It should be understood that the cylinder 5| may itself be formed bywinding on the mandrel, and the loops which compose it when thus made,may carry tabs which sandwich between separate discs which may be madeto compose the disc 53. In other words, a construction such as isillustrated in the making in Fig. 1 may be combined with the outerconstruction shown in Fig. 9,

.paratively larger number of thin laminations,

both in the container wall, and in itsends, these for winding thesuccessive cylindric laminations for providing head discs and tabs. Forexample, cloth may be used.

An important feature of the invention is the fact that the laminationsare thin (01 paper thickness), so that a large number are used in agiven thickness, with the result that, when a substantially rigidcondition is reached (by multiplication of laminae), a strongercontainer is obtained.

In Fig. 12 is shown a form of the invention showing alternative detailsadapting it particularly for machine manufacture. Fig. 12 shows thestepsthat correspond only to the steps of Fig. 1. The successive steps.corresponding to the steps shown in Figs. 2 and 3 have not'been shown,because they will be obvious from the following description. In Fig. 12like numerals designate like parts.

The procedure shown in Fig. 12 is to leave bare of adhesive the firstconvolute loop of the material to go around the mandrel 9, with theexception of adhesive which is applied only to the extending first loopoftabs I. It is then possible to leave all adhesive off of the firstbottom disc II. Then, when the tabs are bent over, the

adhesive thereon causes them to stick to the out-.

side of the disc II, to hold it.

On the successive convolute loops of material I, adhesive is applied allthe way across, including the tabs, as indicated by the stippling inFig. 12. Then disc H a is applied within the second loop of tabs, andthese tabs are turned over said disc Ha. The disc Ila has adhesive onits inside (mandrel side), and thus holds to the out- 7 several hundredpounds, and that they are designed to be used as shipping containers.The construction is such that they equal or exceed the requirements ofregulations for similar containers specified in the Consolidated FreightClassifications and in the regulations of the Interstate CommerceCommission covering dangerous articles, such' as explosives.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As many changes could be made in carrying out the above' constructionswithout departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

We claim:

1. A container comprising a. multi-ply body member anda multi-ply endmember closing one end of the body member, the body member being formedof a continuous strip of material of paper thickness wound on itself andforming a wall of a predetermined number of plies, said end memher beingformed of plies of material of paper side of disc II and the outside ofthe tabs 1 which have been .turned over said disc H. The remainder ofthe construction is carried out by repeating the operations onsuccessive discs, such as I la.

The advantage of the procedure illustrated by Fig. 12 is that theoutside of all discs ll, Ha,

etc., may be engaged by automatic suction holding apparatus forapplication to the end of the mandrel.

In Fig. 13 is shown a procedure which corresponds to that shownin Fig.1, except that theadhesive which is applied to the strip is applied tothe outside rather than to the inside. Like numerals designate likeparts. It will be understood that, in Figs. 1-3 and 10-12, it ispossible to use a dry calendering roll against the mandrel 9 after paperis rolled onto the mandrel. This is because the outside of the paper isdry. The 'calendering roll is not shown in the drawings, because the useof such rolls is known practice.

1 In the'case of Fig. 13, adhesive may be applied by 'a glue rollpressing against the mandrel 9 at or to the rear of the point where thepaper is fed on, the glue roll also acting as a calenderingv roll ifdesired. The procedure otherwise is the same as 'in'Fig. 1. The purposeof Fig. 13 is primarily to illustrate the fact that the same thicknessand which correspond in number to the number of plies of the bodymember, integral tabs projecting from and throughout the peripheral edgeof each ply of one-of, said members thereby to form on each said ply aperipheral series of tabs, each series of tabs projecting betweencorresponding plies of the other member,

and said tabs and plies being adhesively secured throughout. i

2. A container comprising a multi-ply body member and a multi-ply endmember closing one end of the body member, the body member being formedof a continuous strip of material of paper thickness wound on itself andforming a wall of a predetermined number of plies, said end member beingformed of plies of material of paper thickness and which correspond innumber to the number of plies of the body member, integral tabsprojecting from and throughout the peripheral edge of each ply of one ofsaid members thereby to form on each said ply a peripheral series oftabs, each series of tabs projecting between corresponding plies of theother member, the tabs of each series thereof being more or lessstaggered with relation to the tabs of adjacent series thereby toprovide a relatively thin joint between the body and end members, andsaid tabs and plies being adhesively secured throughout.

3. A container comprising a multi-ply body member and a multi-ply endmember closing one end of the body member, the body member being formedof a, continuous strip of material of paper thickness Wound on itselfand forming a wall of a predetermined number of plies, said end memberbeing formed of plies of material of paper thickness and whichcorrespond in number to the number of plies of the body member, integraltabsprojecting from and throughout the peripheral edge of each ply ofone ofsaid members thereby to form on each said ply a peripheral seriesof tabs, each series of tabs projecting between corresponding plies ofthe other member,

lply body member and a circular multi-ply member closing one end of thebody member, thebody member being formed of a continuous stripofmaterial of paper thickness wound on itself and forming a wall of apredeterminednumber of plies, said end member being formed of plies ofmaterial of paper thickness and which correspond in number to the numberof plies of the body member, integral tabs projecting from andthroughout the peripheral edge of each ply of the body member, therebyto form on each said ply edge a peripheral series of tabs, each seriesof tabs projecting between corresponding plies of the end member, andsaid tabs and plies being adhesively secured throughout.

5. A container comprising a cylindrical multi ply body member and acircular multi-ply member closing one end of the body member, the bodymember being formed of a continuous strip of material of paper thicknesswound on itself and forming a wall of a predetermined number of plies,said end member being formed of plies of material of paper thickness andwhich correspond in number to the number of piles of the body member,integral tabs projecting from and throughout the peripheral edge of eachply of the body member, thereby to form on each said ply edge aperipheral series of tabs, each series of tabs projecting betweencorresponding piles of the end member, the tabs of each series thereofbeing more or less staggered with relation to I the tabs 01' adjacentseries thereby to provide a relatively thin joint between the body andend members, and said tabs and plies being adhesively securedthroughout.

6. A container comprising a cylindrical multiply body member and acircular multi-ply mem- .ber closing one end of the body member, the

body member being formed of a continuous strip oi material of paperthickness wound on itself and forming a wall of a predetermined numberof plies, said end member being formed of piles of material of paperthickness and which correspondin number to the number of plies of thebody member, integral tabs projecting from and throughout the peripheraledge of each ply of the body member. thereby to form on each said plyedge a peripheral series of tabs. each series of tabs projecting betweencorresponding piles of the end member, the tabs of each series thereofbeing moreorless staggered wlthrelationtothetabsofadjacentserleatheendsotthetabsoteachseriesthereofinrelatlontotheentofthetabsoisdjacentseriesbeingdiderentlyspleed from the center'oi' saidend member, and said tabs and plies being adhesively secured throughout.7

7. A container comprising a cylindrical multiply body member and acircular multi-ply end member closing one end-of the body member, thebody member being formed of a continuous strip of material ofpapervthickness wound on itself and forming a wall ofa predeterminednumber of plies, said end memberbelng formed or plies of material ofpaper thickness and which correspond in number to the number of plies ofthe body member, integral tabs projecting from and throughout theperipheral edge of each ply of said end member thereby to form on eachsaid ply aperipheral series of tabs, each series of tabs projectingbetween corresponding plies of the body member, and said tabs and pliesbeing adhesively secured throughout.

8; A container comprising a cylindrical multiply -body member and acircular multi-ply end member closing one end of the body member. thebody niember being formed or a continuous strip of material of paperthickness wound on itself and forming a wall of a predetermined numberof plies, said end member being formed .01 piles of material of paperthickness and which correspond in number to the number of plies of thebody member. integral tabs projecting from and throughout the peripheraledge or each ply of said end member thereby to form on each said ply aperipheral series of tabs, each series of tabs projecting, betweencorresponding piles of the body member, the tabs of each series thereofbeing more or less staggered with relation to'the tabs of adjacentseries thereby to provide a relatlvely thin joint between the body andend members, and said tabs and plies being adhesively securedthroughout.

9. A container comprising a cylindrical multiply body member and acircular multi-ply end member closing one end of the body member, the

spond in number to the number of piles of the body member, integral tabsprojecting from and throughout the peripheral edge of eachlply or saidend member thereby to form on each saidply a peripheral series 0! tabs,eachserles of tabs projecting between corresponding piles of the bodymember, the tabsv of each series thereof being more or less staggeredwith relation to the tabs of'sdjacent series, the ends of the tabs ofeach series thereof in relation to the ends of the tabs'of adjacentseries being diiferently vspacedfromthecenterottheendmelnber,and

said tabs and piles beingsdheslvely secured CLARENCE J. VOQI.

nss'ritnisriruon'ron, v

